FORMER North East Lincolnshire Council leader Len Taylor has died.
The 78-year-old passed away on Thursday morning at his home in Alderney Way, Immingham, after a long illness.
An accountant by trade, he served as a Labour councillor for around 40 years, and was the first Mayor of North East Lincolnshire.
Today, family and friends paid tribute to a "compassionate and loyal man" who was committed to helping others.
Born and raised in Cleethorpes, Len qualified as an accountant and worked for various companies, including Courtaulds and Lindsey Oil Refinery.
His work took him briefly to Coventry, but he returned to the area and settled in Immingham, raising his two children Kate and Ben.
His political career began in the 1960s when he represented Immingham on Grimsby Rural District Council.
He later served on Immingham Town Council, Cleethorpes Borough Council and North East Lincolnshire Council.
He was appointed leader of the newly-formed unitary authority, a role which he served until losing his seat in the 2003 election.
He also had the distinction of being the first Mayor of North East Lincolnshire in 1996-97.
In his retirement, he enjoyed watching cricket and spending time with his wife, Sue, and his grandchildren, Lucie, Ella, Alfie and Ethan.
Close friend and former fellow Immingham Labour councillor Kelly Bradley, said: "First and foremost Len was a loving and caring family man, most proud of being a father and later grandfather.
"He loved Immingham and raised his family there.
"He bore his illness with typical humour and stoicism, and only recently he threw a garden party for friends.
"Len's politics were based on seeing the real people behind the political agendas. Politically, he was bold and not afraid to stand up for his beliefs and see them through. But behind that hard facade was a very kindly man.
"Privately, he was a generous man who would do anything to help anyone in need. Those of us who knew him were aware of his very quick wit and highly descriptive language.
"Len will be remembered by his family as the most loving and caring husband, father and grandfather; by his friends as a compassionate and loyal man; and by politicians on all sides as totally committed to improving the health and welfare of the people he served."
His daughter Kate said: "He was a family man who also enjoyed helping others. As a child I remember people ringing up with problems and he would always try to help them.
"As a father he always guided us rather than interfered. He was always there when we needed him."
A date for Len's funeral has yet to be set. Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for an announcement.
